Collectie

Dive into the unique collections for your art historal research

The RKD — Netherlands Institute for Art History houses a wealth of material and information about the visual arts from the Low Countries
 

Archives      Visual documentation      Library

ARCHIVES

The RKD is home to 2.5 kilometres of archive material 

A total of more than 900 archives of artists, artists' associations, art historians and other art-related individuals and firms

Onderzoeksmateriaal Friedlander

About the archives

A national collection of 2.5 kilometres of archival material in which many discoveries can still be made.

Request an archive

You can view the archives at the RKD. Request an archive at least two days in advance.

Search the archives

With RKD Research, you can directly search the archive material to start your research.

VISUAL DOCUMENTATION

Search through millions of images of artworks 

See also the collection portrait iconography, a wealth of topographical material, and the many wonderful historical photographs in our archives

Beeldmateriaal

Images available

Looking for sketches, private photos of artists or portraits of historical figures?

Search the visual documentation

RKD Research contains over 4 million images of artworks.

LIBRARY

The largest art historical library of the Netherlands

The RKD houses the world's most important library relating to the visual arts of the Low Countries in an international context, from the late Middle Ages to the present

Studiezaal

About the library

More than 500,000 volumes, from general art literature, artists' books and preciosa to an important collection of auction catalogues.

Visit the study room

A selection of books can be found on open shelves in the study room, while the remaining publications can be requested on site.

Search the library

In RKD Research you can see which publications are available. So you are well prepared for a visit to the RKD!

ARCHIVES

Acquisitions

Every year, the archive collection grows by dozens of acquisitions, both donations and purchases. The library is complimented weekly with recent titles

All acquisitions

Aad in 't Veld Archive

Acquisition
At the end of 2023, the RKD acquired an archive from Aad in 't Veld, assistant of Jan Schoonhoven.
Portret Jan Schoonhoven

Jo Zwartendijk Archive

Acquisition
The archive includes honorary certificates, photographs and travel reports.
Jo Zwartendijk

Francina Schot Archive

Acquisition
The archive includes Schot's painting materials, drawings, oil sketches and watercolours.
Francina Schot

COLLECTION

Recent news about our collection

In search of innovation: archive of Hetty Huisman

News

Recently the RKD acquired the archive of artist Hetty Huisman (1941-2017).

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Anna Rademakers new Head of Collections RKD

News
The RKD is pleased to announce that Anna Rademakers will join the organisation from 1 September 2023.
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